Research Associate – Green Transition and Community Engagement

Ulster University - Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

Location: Belfast

Salary: £33,020 to £41,086

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 15th April 2026

Closes: 5th May 2026

Job Ref: 041866

Job Title: Research Associate – Green Transition and Community Engagement

Department/School: Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment

Campus: Belfast

Salary: £33,020 - £41,086 per annum

Duration: Fixed-Term until 30th November 2028 / Full-time

Closing Date: 5th May 2026 at 23:30

Reference Number: 041866

ABOUT US

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation, and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social, and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation, and technology and knowledge transfer.

THE ROLE

The postholder will assist the Project team at Ulster University and liaise with the wider consortium as part of the Smart Village Network Project (SVNP). The Smart Village Network Project (SNVP) is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The Project aims to develop and implement Green Transition Action Plans for 12 rural community centre “Digital Hubs” in Derry-Strabane and Donegal. The work will explore the potential for implementing sustainable energy improvements, with key tasks, including evaluating existing energy usage, establishing action plans for energy efficiency and renewable energy implementation measures, and developing training materials and facilities management frameworks to upskill stakeholders and embed successful legacy benefits.

We may create a 12-month waiting list for the same or similar roles within the Department/Faculty. The University reserves the right to extend the waiting list across the University if required for certain posts.

ABOUT YOU

The postholder will be required to have:

• A degree in Energy or an equivalent Engineering or Applied Science-related discipline.
• Experience and/or knowledge and understanding of energy efficiency, renewable energy implementation and/or energy audit in domestic, commercial, or industrial sectors.
• Experience in the use of relevant instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Please find our employee benefits on our website.

Athena Swan Statement

The Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality in higher education. You can read more about what this means on our University website. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family-friendly working environment, including flexible working.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.